The UP Special Task Force (STF) in the charge sheet filed against Kerala journalist and UAPA accused Siddique Kappan stated that his writings were meant to ‘incite Muslims’ as he reported on events in relation to the Muslim community like the Nizamuddin Markaz, anti-CAA protests, Delhi riots and the Babri Masjid issues.
Kappan reportedly holds more than 10 years’ experience and was working with the news portal Azhimukham, at the time of his arrest.
However, the STF said he did not write like a “responsible” journalist because he “only reported events in relation to Muslims.” The 5,000-page charge sheet, which was filed in April this year, includes a case diary note in which portions from 36 articles written by Kappan have been highlighted by the investigating officer as evidence of ‘incitement’.
The articles are on the Nizamuddin Markaz, anti-CAA protests, Delhi riots, the Ram temple in Ayodhya, and the charge sheet against Sharjeel Imam who has also been charged under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
In one of the articles “written during the CAA protests in AMU”, the note states that “in the writing, the Muslims have been portrayed as victims (who) were beaten up by police and were asked to go to Pakistan. It is evident from the writing that it has been done to incite Muslims”, Indian Express reported.
The note adds that Kappan’s writings can “to a great extent, can be classified as communal.”
Kappan and three others were arrested on 5 October 2020, while on their way to Hathras, including Atikur Rahman and Masud Ahmad, both office-bearers of the Campus Front of India, the student wing of PFI, and their driver Alam.
He was arrested last year by Uttar Pradesh Police while on way to Hathras along with Masood Ahmed and Atikur Rahman, both office-bearers of the Campus Front of India and cab driver Alam. They all have maintained their innocence and clarified that they were on their way as journalists to report on the matter or as activists to express their solidarity with the bereaved family.
Several journalists have reacted to the ‘fabricated’ allegations, pointing out the ‘overreach of law’.
Our silence is our complicity.. Speak up for Siddique Kappan. This chargesheet against him is a work of fiction and Islamophobia https://t.co/ZZBmeoieR5— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) October 1, 2021 UP STF's chargesheet against #SiddiqueKappan alleges that he did not write like a “responsible” journalist, & he “does communal journalism”. By this 'criteria', all of the pro BJP govt journalists should be put behind bars for fanning communal flames & irresponsible reporting!— Dr. Shama Mohamed (@drshamamohd) October 1, 2021 Every single court at every single stage of his arrest and subsequent bail hearings is complicit in this complete travesty of justice and personal liberty. No one will ever be held accountable for this. Kappan's only crime seems to be that he is a muslim journalist. https://t.co/xYs7NO0A0C— अंशुल (@Ghair_Kanooni) October 1, 2021
Madhuvan Dutt, Kappan’s lawyer said that the police had submitted dubious eyewitness statements in the case, “since the accused had not been able to reach the village in the first place and were arrested on the way to it,” contradictory to the eyewitness’ claims.
A Mathura court is hearing the case against the four accused, while charges are yet to be framed.
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Rushda Fathima Khan is the Staff Reporter for The Cognate.
